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Finished traditional Hot Cross Buns with butter, ready to serve for Easter.

Traditional Hot Cross Buns


  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 buns 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Bring the warmth and tradition of Easter to your kitchen with this easy recipe for homemade hot cross buns. Soft, spiced, and perfectly sweet, these buns are a delightful treat to share with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 cup milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup currants
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
  2. In a separate bowl, warm milk and melt butter. Add yeast to the warm milk mixture and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture and egg into the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Add the dried fruit and citrus zest, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
  7. Gently punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth bun and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.
  9. Prepare the cross paste by mixing 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Pipe crosses onto each bun.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating 1/4 cup apricot jam with 1 tablespoon water in a saucepan until smooth.
  12. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them with the glaze for a glossy finish.
  13. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh yeast and allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment.
  • Ensure even baking by rotating the baking sheet halfway through.
  • To add a chocolatey twist, mix in chocolate chips with the dried fruit.
  • Serve warm with butter or toasted with jam.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bun
  • Calories: 250 Kcal
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: hot cross buns, easter buns, traditional recipe, homemade bread, spiced buns, baking, easter baking